Music theory for idiots (and jazz fans)

[hopkins]

I have no knowledge of music "theory", but would like to learn. Do you have any recommendations for books or online courses that are simple, and preferably in the context of jazz music ?

Thanks.

[OliverM]

As you are in Paris, if you read French, a book that I have which is quite advanced but that takes everything from the basics is Jacques Siron's La Partition intérieure:

http://www.siron.name/livres_PI.html

It has many examples in jazz and improvisation and is complete yet accessible.

[hopkins]

Great, thanks - French works. I looked up the author and has another book that may be a good starting point as well: https://www.amazon.fr/Bases-mots-sons-Jacques-Siron/dp/2907891235/ref=sr_1_2?__mk_fr_FR=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=jacques+siron&qid=1585312451&sr=8-2

 

[JSngry]

May I ask what aspect(s) of theory you're looking to learn? Terminology, applications, implications?

[hopkins]

All aspects ! Really basic stuff to start with... I think the books provided above should be a good start.

[JSngry]

It's a potentially deeply rewarding thing, studying theory and learning what the "rules" are, and then what happens when those rules get broken in ways that either do or do not work - and then, why, what new "rules" come out of breaking the old ones. Endless, really, and eventually it merges with physics, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, theology, psychoacoustics, life, really, because in the end, music is nothing if not life.

Have fun with it!

[CJ Shearn]

1 hour ago, JSngry said:

It's a potentially deeply rewarding thing, studying theory and learning what the "rules" are, and then what happens when those rules get broken in ways that either do or do not work - and then, why, what new "rules" come out of breaking the old ones. Endless, really, and eventually it merges with physics, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, theology, psychoacoustics, life, really, because in the end, music is nothing if not life.

Have fun with it!

Agreed.  I've watched a lot of YT vids on rudimentary theory.